Trump says inauguration to be moved indoors due to severe cold

'I don't want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way,' Trump said.

Updated: January 18, 2025 02:20 AM IST

2 min read

Officials are concerned about the risks posed by the cold to attendees and guests. (File photo)

US President-elect Donald Trump said his inauguration on Monday will be held inside the US Capitol rather than outdoors due to dangerously cold temperatures forecasted for the nation’s capital.

“The weather forecast for Washington, DC, with the windchill factor, could take temperatures into severe record lows. There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country. I don’t want to see people hurt, or injured, in any way,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

“Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda,” Trump added.

Trump mentioned that supporters can watch the ceremony on screens inside the Capital One Arena, a sports venue in downtown Washington with a capacity of 20,000.

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The last time a US president was sworn in indoors was in 1985 when Ronald Reagan took the oath of office inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures. The daytime temperature that year dropped to 7 degrees Fahrenheit, with a windchill of -25, leading to the cancellation of Reagan’s inaugural parade.

(With inputs from CNN, Reuters)

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